October 24, 2018 Edition

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News

Hall of Fame Induction to be Held November 1

Five outstanding graduates of Greenville County Schools have been selected for induction in the GCS Hall of Fame. They will be honored at an awards ceremony and dinner on Thursday, November 1, 2018 at the TD Convention Center. The public is invited. Click here to order tickets or call 864-420-0546.

2019 inductees are:

2018 ACT Scores Released

Results from the ACT Condition of College and Career Readiness Report show a decrease nationwide in average ACT scores, from 21.0 in 2017 to 20.8 in 2018. In Greenville County Schools, the average composite score on the ACT fell from 19.4 in 2017 to 18.7 in 2018 on the test's 36-point scale. The GCS score remains higher than the state average of 18.3, which saw a decrease from 18.7 in 2017.

Greenville County Schools ranks 10th out of 85 SC school districts on the 2018 ACT composite score for graduating seniors. Three schools are among the top 25 performers in the state: Riverside High - 22.1 (#8), JL Mann High Academy - 20.7 (#19), and Eastside High - 20.2 (#25).
Read more about ACT scores.

Learn More About GCS Magnet Academies During Open Houses in October

Greenville County Schools Magnet Academies are inspiring, supporting and preparing students for their next opportunities in life, education and employment. We have eleven Magnet Academies with a unique theme or focus that connect students to engaging classes and meaningful experiences.

Magnet academies attract students who want to explore a special interest, gift, talent or skill. Visit an open house during the month of October. Apply to your schools of choice between November 1st and December 4th.

Unofficial Board Meeting Summary

October 23, 2018

Welcome, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Shelby Jordan from Simpsonville Elementary School. Shelby is the Student Council Representative for her second grade class and just turned 8 years old. She loves math and reading and playing soccer.

Award Presentation
SCSBA Champions for Public Education Award - The Greenville Drive

Adoption of Consent Calendar
Minutes, Regular Board Meeting - September 25, 2018
Home Schooling Applications - 4
Personnel Recommendations - None

Appearance of Visitors
Tim Bilderback

Superintendent's Report
Dr. Royster discussed the recent AdvancED Accreditation site evaluation visit. GCS enjoyed many positive comments and will receive the final report with recommendations and commendations in 60-90 days.

Action Items

Revision of Policy IED: Instructional Arrangements: Scheduling for Instruction - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve Board Policy IED as revised. This policy has been updated to reflect current research on best instructional practices.

Deletion of Policy IEE: Instructional Arrangements: Student Schedules - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to eliminate Board Policy IEE. This policy is redundant; content is subsumed in Policy IED.

Revision of Policy IEC: Instructional Arrangements: Class Size - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve Board Policy IEC as revised. This policy has been updated to reflect current research on best instructional practices.

SCSBA Delegates - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to certify the slate of delegates with each Trustee named as both a delegate and an alternate, and with the Chair assigned three votes and the remaining Trustees two votes each. The Board is required to certify its voting delegates to SCSBA by November 19, 2018. Greenville County Schools is allowed 25 votes at the SCSBA's annual business meeting scheduled for Saturday, December 8, at the Charleston Marriott in Charleston, SC. This meeting is held in conjunction with the annual SCSBA Legislative and Advocacy Conference.

SCDOT ROW Acquisition at Stone Academy - Safe Routes to School Project - Approved motion from the Committee of the Whole to approve SCDOT's offer for this Right-of-Way Acquisition and Permission at Stone Academy. SCDOT is installing a Safe Routes to School Project on Randall and Townes Street for Stone Academy. SCDOT is offering $500.00 for a right-of-way (ROW) acquisition of 62 square feet of property for this Safe Routes to School Project. SCDOT is also requesting Permission for construction slopes, catch basin/drainage, drive entrance, pedestrian ramps and pipe with the understanding that no additional property is granted with this permission. This project will benefit Stone Academy by improving pedestrian walkability.

Information Items

Internal Auditing Services' Project Status Report - The report was presented as information.

Information/Action from Board Committees/Liaisons - Mr. Derek Lewis reported that the Advocacy Committee is planning two roundtable breakfast discussions with the local legislative delegation. The breakfasts will be scheduled for November 27 and 28.

Committee / Liaison Reports - Mrs. Lisa Wells expressed her appreciation to the members of the Instructional Policies Committee for their work over the last several years.

Mr. Chuck Saylors and Mrs. Lynda Leventis-Wells shared a reminder that the Greenville County Schools Hall of Fame Dinner benefitting the GCS Foundation is scheduled for November 1 at the Greenville Convention Center.

The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.